Socratic Preparation Work: Socratic Seminar Preparation Work

Noah Shamsai

Mr. Raisner

AS English 1

9 March 2014

Socratic Seminar Preparation Work

1. Throughout Greek society, women are portrayed as lesser than men, however, The Odyssey contains several strong women, both mortal and immortal, who use their strength and charm to manipulate men. After much deception and many failed promises, Penelope decides that she will marry the suitor who can shoot an arrow straight through twelve axe-helve sockets. The suitors, captivated by her beauty, instantly agree although Penelope has tricked them many times in the past: “Here is my lord Odysseus’ hunting bow. / Bend it and string it if you can. /…I join my life with his, and leave this place, my home” (XXI. 78-81). Penelope’s exquisiteness gives her power, with which she uses to tantalize the suitors into doing whatever she desires. Also, the weakness of the suitors lead to their humiliation, which shows that women with strength can not only fend for themselves, but also protect who they wish, in this case, Penelope is protecting Odysseus.

If strong women have power over men, yet the Greeks still say that males are dominant, what does this say about Greek society?

2. The bloody revenge of the suitors, not all of who deserved their gruesome deaths, is only justifiable because Odysseus is portrayed as such an remarkable epic hero who has slaughtered many men in his lifetime, and now that he is at his lowest point, he has to prove to his family, the suitors, Athena, and himself that he is still godlike in combat. Prior to killing the suitors, Odysseus calls himself very weak and incapable of killing the suitors, followed by saying he would rather be killed now than have to face them. Queen Penelope decides that she will choose a husband based on who...

... middle of paper ...

...s’ home alone, or find comfort in another suitors bed: “the time for bed, sweet rest, is coming soon, /…I lie in mine alone, my heart thudding, / …Or had I best join fortunes with a suitor” (XIX.592-612). Penelope displays that she desires a bed out of lust, the fact that she leaves her bed reluctantly shows that her true love is still Odysseus; this shows that true love will not leave easily, whereas lust often lasts for a brief period of time. Love is also used to distinguish the strong from the weak, Odysseus is strong because he never decides to give up on Penelope, but Penelope is shown to have a few flaws, as she almost gives up on Odysseus, and the suitors are all lust and no affection as they win the hearts of no one and only admire Penelope’s beauty, not her wits nor heart.

Is the principle that true love rules over lust an idealistic hope in Greek society?